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8/8/2019 Advanced Conversation Vol 1
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Advanced Conversation Vol. 1Using Contemporary Idiom
Advanced Conversation Vol. 1
Using Contemporary Idioms
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Dialog 1 : Turn Over a New Leaf
A: I heard he has just been released from the rehabilitation center.B: Was an alcoholic?A: Yes. He got frustrated that no movie producers are offering him jobs.B: Thats sad. How long did he stay in the rehab?A: For 6 months. And hes turning over a new leafalready.
Explanation:When a person turns over a new leaf, he starts to behave in a better way.
Example:
He promised the police that hell turn over a new leafnow.
Vocabulary:Released (verb) - to be freeRehabilitation (noun) - the process of restoring an individual (as a convict or drug addict) to a
useful place in societyAlcoholic (noun) - A person who drinks alcoholic substances habituallyFrustrated (adjective) disappointed, saddened
Dialog 2 : Mark my words
A: Im telling you Im going to be rich.B: How can you do that? You dont even want to work.A: Mark my words. Even if I dont work Im still going to have a lot of money.B: Youre already drunk.A: Of course Im not. I still know what Im saying.B: OK. But I still dont understand how you could be rich when you arent doing something.
Explanation:Mark my words is an expression used to lend an air of seriousness to what the speaker is aboutto say when talking about the future.
Example:"Mark my words, if you do not finish your homework project you are not going to go out thisweekend."
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Dialog 3 : Open a Pandoras box
A: My son is asking me to buy him a new car.B: Oh, does he know how to drive already?A: Yes, he sometimes takes out my car.B: So, whats the problem?A: Hes a very careless driver. It has a lot of scratches now. I just bought it two months ago, but
it looks like a year old. He also sometimes uses it to sneak out and go to parties at night,ithout my knowledge.
B: I think buying him a new car will open a Pandoras box.
Explanation:When you open a Pandoras box, you are doing something that causes a lot of new problemsthat you did not expect.
Example:Sadly, the managements decision to lay-off workers could open a Pandoras box.
Vocabulary:Careless (Adjective) unconcerned about the consequences of some actionScratches (noun) mark, blemish, damageSneak(verb) - To go or move in a quiet, secretive way.Knowledge (noun) - Familiarity, awareness, or understandingManagement (noun) - the person or persons controlling and directing the affairs of a business,
institution, etc.:Expect (verb) hope, await
Dialog 4 : Turn the tables
A: I cant believe it. Kate won in the championship game.B: Yeah. I was very surprised too. I never thought shed win.A: I guess she turned the tables this year. She didnt win any game last year.B: I heard she trained hard and she has a new coach.
Explanation:
When someone turned the tables, it means that you change a situation so that someonesposition is the opposite of what it was. You cause a complete reversal of the situation.
Example:
I am waiting for the right time to turn the tables on her.
Vocabulary:
Coach (noun) - a person who trains an athlete or a team of athletes
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Dialog 5 : Girl Friday
A: Ive read the advertisement in the newspaper. Youre looking for a girl Friday.B: Yes, were looking for one. Are you interested in the job?A: Yes, I am. What shall I do?B: My boss will tell you the things youll do. Just wait here and Ill inform my boss that
youre interested in the job.
Explanation:A girl Friday is a person who does many different types of usually not very interesting work inan office.
Example:
The girl Friday they hired is very hardworking.
Dialog 6 : Have the Midas touch
A: I wish I have the Midas touch.B: Me too. Ill tour Europe and buy a mansion if I have the money.A: No matter what I do, I still cant seem to put any money into savings.
B: I promise myself Ill be able to save $1,000 this month.A: I bet you couldnt do that. You spend too much when were going out.
Explanation:
When you have the Midas touch, you have the ability to make a lot of money.
Example:He convinced the young women in the village that they have Midas touch.
Vocabulary:Mansion (noun) a very large house
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Dialog 7 : Save ones breath
A: Ive talked with the director of the hospital.B: What did he say?A: He told me to get the money, of course. He doesnt want us to go until the bill is
settled.B: Did you tell him that well just pay by installment?A: Yeah, I did. But he doesnt want that kind of arrangement.B: You should have saved your breath. He doesnt listen to pleadings.
Explanation:
You dont say anything when you save your breath.
Example:
You should save your breath. I already made a decision and thats final.
Vocabulary:Installment (noun) - a payment of part of a debt; usually paid at regular intervalsArrangement (noun) - an agreement or settlementPlea (noun) a request
Dialog 8 : A jack-of-all-trades
A: I dont know how this thing works. Can you help me?B: Im sorry. I dont know how it operates.A: I need this to finish my report.B: Ask Peter. He can fix anything. Hes ajack-of-all-trades.A: Can you help me find him?B: Sure. I saw him at the pantry a while ago.
Explanation:A jack-of-all-trades is a person who can do many different kinds of work.
Example:
Sam can do the gardening, driving, carpentry and plumbinghes really a jack-of-all-trades.
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Dialog 9 : Heard through the grapevine
A: I havent seen Mary for a month now.B: I heard through the grapevine that she was pregnant.A: Really? I dont know that. Whos the father of the child shes carrying?B: I dont know anything more. But I think thats the reason why she immediately resigned.A: I hope shell not be a single parent.B: I agree. Its so hard to raise a child when youre alone.
Explanation:
When you hear something through the grapevine, you hear the news from someone whoheard the news from someone else.
Example:I heard through the grapevine that the Joneses are planning a tour around Europe nextsummer.
Vocabulary:Grapevine (noun)- a vine that bears grapesRaise (verb) to take care of
Dialog 10 : Monkey business
A: Mother was so mad at John and Joshua this afternoon.B: Why?A: The two did some monkey business while she was out. She was so mad.B: Oh. What did she say?A: She did not allow them to go and play outside for a whole week.B: Thats too bad. The two will be missing a lot.A: Yeah. But they should have not done that, so they wont be punished.
Explanation:
Monkey business is a silly behavior or a dishonest behavior.
Example:There was a monkey business involved in renovating the city hall with some officials gettingsecret payments from builders.
Vocabulary:
Punish (verb) - To subject to a penalty for an offense, sin, or fault.Silly (adjective) - weak-minded or lacking good sense; stupid or foolishDishonest (adjective) not honest; lies, cheatsRenovate (verb) - to restore to good condition; make new or as if new again; repair.
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Dialog 11 : Saved by the bell
A: Mother asked me who broke the antique jar.B: What did you say?A: Luckily, I was saved by the bell. Her cellphone rang. She didnt notice me leaving.B: I guess shell be talking to you when you get home tonight.A: No, shell be gone for a week. She has a business trip.B: Just pray that she wont remember it when she comes back.A: Its her favorite piece. She wont forget it.
Explanation:
When you are saved by the bell, you are rescued from an unwanted situation.
Example:
Jonathan was saved by the bell when his brother walked in and asked him to go with him at thebaseball practice.
Vocabulary:Antique (adjective) - any piece of furniture or decorative object or the like produced in a
former period and valuable because of its beauty or rarityRescue (verb) saved
Dialog 12 : Half-baked
A: The boss didnt want his proposal. It was half-baked.B: Its the first time it happened. Hes always ready and prepared when he makes reports.A: This time he isnt. I heard he has a problem.B: What do you know?A: His wifes filing a divorce.B: I understand now. I hope his job wont be affected too much.
Explanation:Something is half-baked when it is not thought about or planned carefully.
Example:The idea was half-baked. It wont work.
Vocabulary:Proposal (noun) - a plan or schemeDivorce (noun) one that releases the husband and wife from all matrimonial obligations
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Dialog 13 : A dose of your own medicine
A: I saw Mark in the lobby. He asked me to tell you that hes waiting there for an hour already.B: I know. I just dont want to go down yet.A: But why?B: I want to give him a dose of his own medicine. Hes always turning up late for me.A: He wont like it for sure.
Explanation:When you give someone a dose of his own medicine, you do the same bad thing to him that hehas often done to you in order to show him how unpleasant it is.
Example:
Why dont you give him a dose of his own medicine so that hell learn?
Vocabulary:Lobby (noun) - A hall or waiting room at or near the entrance to a building, such as a hotel or
theater
Dialog 14 : Barking up the wrong tree
A: Why did the police arrest him?
B: They said hes one of the men who robbed the convenience store around the corner.A: I know hes a nice guy. I cant believe hes a robber.B: Yes, I think Stellas talking with the police right now. She said she was talking with him at
Starbucks when the incident at the convenience store happened.A: So the police is barking up the wrong tree.B: Maybe. We dont know that for now.
Explanation:If you are barking up the wrong tree, it means that you have completely misunderstoodsomething or you are believing the wrong explanation for something.
Vocabulary:
Arrest (verb) - to capture or take hold of (a person) because he or she has broken the lawConveniences store (noun) - a retail store that carries a limited selection of basic items, as
packaged foods and drugstore items, and is open long hours for the convenience ofshoppers.
Rob (verb) - taking possessions by unlawful force or violenceIncident (noun) an event
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Dialog 15 : Dressed to kill
A: I didnt attend Sams party last night.B: Why? I heard they all had fun.A: I saw them at the gate and they were all dressed to kill. Im just wearing my jeans and ashirt.B: You should have joined them. Im sure they wont mind your dress. They are your friends.
Explanation:When someone is dressed to kill, they are wearing clothes that are intended to make peoplenotice you.
Example:
Cathy was dressed to kill at the party. Everybody is staring at her.
Dialog 16 : A babe in the woods
A: I wont allow Joanne to study in the university in the city. Shes still a babe in the woods.B: You worry too much. She wont learn if you wont allow her.
A: You cant blame me. Anything might happen to her. Youll never know.B: Shell learn to be independent when she gets there.
Explanation:
A babe in the woods is someone who has not had much experience and trusts other people tooeasily.
Example:When it comes to business, she is still a babe in the woods.
Vocabulary:Babe (noun) a baby or child
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Dialog 17 : Go Dutch
A: My colleague invited me to eat lunch in the nearby restaurant.B: What restaurant is that?A: In Conieres. The food is really delicious, but its very expensive.B: Who paid the bill?A: We went Dutch. I want to come there again tomorrow. Would you want to come with me?
Explanation:If you go Dutch in a restaurant, you pay equal shares for the meal.
Example:I thought my sister will treat me out in a restaurant for dinner, but when we were there, wewent Dutch.
Dialog 18 : Go bananas
A: Where did you put my book?B: I just put it in your desk.A: Its not there. Why dont you look for it?
B: I told you I put it in your desk last night. Maybe you put it in your bag already.A: You look for it, or I wont lend you the video game you want.B: Dont go bananas. Youre just being careless.
Explanation:You become very angry when you go bananas.
Example:Shell go bananas if she sees the litter in the backyard.
Vocabulary:Careless (adjective) - not paying enough attention to what one does; having no care or concern
Litter (noun) - rubbish carelessly dropped or left about (especially in public places)Backyard (noun) - the portion of a lot or building site behind a house, structure, or the like,
sometimes fenced, walled, etc.
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Dialog 19 : In Seventh Heaven
A: Hi John! How are you today?B: Great! I feel in seventh heaven.A: Thats nice to hear. But why?B: Ive asked Alice yesterday if we could have a date, and she agreed.A: Whos Alice?B: Shes our new neighbor. Shes from the Canada.
Explanation:When you are in seventh heaven, you are extremely happy.
Example:
She was in seventh heaven when she learned that she passed the board exam.
Dialog 20 : Sleep like a baby
A: Where is Janice?B: Shes in her room, sleeping like a baby.A: What time did she get home last night?
B: Almost midnight. I was so worried. I thought something bad already happened to her.A: The traffic is so heavy. Its because of the rain.B: Thats the reason she gave me.
Explanation:When someone is sleeping like a baby, that person is sleeping very well.
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Dialog 21 : A fat cat
A: All of us are so busy today. Im so tired already.B: I dont think many tourists are coming. What makes you busy?A: A fat cat from New York will be staying in the hotel. The manager wants to impress him.B: How long will he be staying?A: Just a few hours. Hell be talking with some business partners.
Explanation:A fat cat is a person who makes a lot of money and enjoys a privileged position in society.
Example:Mr. Antonio is just anotherfat cata corporate tycoon from Chicago.
Vocabulary:Privileged (adjective) enjoying benefits
Dialog 22 : Black sheep
A: Why arent you going home?B: I dont want to. My parents dont like me there.
A: What do you mean?B: They regard me as the black sheep of the family. They dont understand me. All they do isfind faults in everything I do.
Explanation:A black sheep is someone who doesnt fit into a group or family because their behavior orcharacter is not good enough.
Example:The black sheep returns home after three years of staying in England.
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Dialog 23 : Sweet tooth
A: Can you please come with me in the convenience store?B: What are you going to buy?A: Im craving for chocolates.B: You have such a sweet tooth. You have just eaten a bar a while ago.
Explanation:
A person with a sweet tooth likes eating food with sugar in it.
Example:
You can always bribe him with cakes and ice cream. He has a sweet big tooth.
Vocabulary:
Bribe (verb) to give, offer or promise something such as money or a favor
Dialog 24 : Copycat
A: Is that Madonna?B: No, of course not. Look at her clearly.
A: Shes Madonna, of course.B: Shes just a copycat. Look at her nose and mouth. Theyre different from Madonnas.A: Yeah, I think youre right.
Explanation:A copy cat is one that closely imitates or mimics another.
Example:She has no originality. Shes a copycat.
Vocabulary:
Imitates (verb) - To copy the actions, appearance, mannerisms, or speechMimics (verb) - To copy or imitate closely, especially in speech, expression, and gesture
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Dialog 25 : Butterflies in your stomach
A: Im going to have a job interview this afternoon.B: Really? Good luck! What position are you applying for?A: As a marketing associate.B: Youre good. I know you can do it. You have been working as an associate for many
years now.A: I cant help it. There are still butterflies in my stomach.B: Oh, come on. I know you are well qualified for the job. Just be confident.
Explanation:
If you are feeling nervous before something important or stressful is known, you havebutterflies in your stomach.
Example:I felt there are butterflies in my stomach when the President talked to me.
Vocabulary:Nervous (adjective) - afraidStressful (adjective) - full of stress or tension
Dialog 26 : In a nutshell
A: Can you explain what you said in a nutshell?B: Of course. It just means that we need to lay off workers.A: I dont think thats a good idea.B: Ive already explained the pros and cons of my proposal.A: Can you repeat it? I didnt understand what you said.
Explanation:In a nutshell means summary.
Example:She discussed the report in a nutshell.
Vocabulary:Lay off(verb) - to dismiss (an employee)Pro (noun) - an argument or consideration in favor of something]Con (noun) - an argument or opinion against something.
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Dialog 27 : Talk of the town
A: The commissioner will be the talk of the town this week. They said that he used thecompanys money for personal uses. It involves a lot of money.
B: I saw the police surrounding his house.A: Maybe hes out of the country by now. Hell be hiding.B: I think so, too. I never expected hell be involved in such a serious crime.A: I saw his daughter crying so hard. And his wife too.B: I wonder where he is now.
Explanation:When everybody is talking about particular people and events, they are the talk of the town.
Example:Turning up drunk at the ball will certainly make you the talk of the town.
Vocabulary:Commissioner (noun) - a government official or representative in charge of a department ordistrict
Dialog 28 : Graveyard Shift
A: What time are you going to the office?B; Im working in the graveyard shift.A: Is it difficult?B: Yeah, it is. I feel so sleepy every time. I always have to drink coffee to be awake.A: Will that be your permanent schedule?B: I hope not.
Explanation:
If you have to work very late at night, it is the graveyard shift.
Example:
I never want to work in the graveyard shift.
Vocabulary:Permanent (adjective) - lasting; not temporarySchedule (noun) - a series of things to be done or of events to occur at or during a particular
time or period
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Dialog 29 : Raining Cats and Dogs
A: Will you be able to go here? Its raining cats and dogs.B: Theres heavy flood. I cant go out.A: I understand. Lets just postpone the meeting.B: Im really sorry. I didnt expect this. What time are you free tomorrow?A: At 8 AM. I hope it wont rain anymore.B: Yeah. I hate this weather.
Explanation:When it is raining cats and dogs, it is raining heavily.
Example:
It was raining cats and dogs by the time I got to the office.
Vocabulary:Postpone (verb) - To delay until a future time
Dialog 30 : Break a leg
A: Im nervous. I dont know if I will be able to deliver my lines perfectly.B: Of course you will. You have rehearsed that for many times already.
A: What if I forget my lines?B: Dont worry too much. Its going to be perfect.A: The director is calling my attention now. Ill go and see him.B: OK. Break a leg!
Explanation:Break a leg means good luck.
Example:
Break a leg! the director called to the lead actor.
Vocabulary:
Rehearse (verb) - To practice (a part in a play, for example) in preparation for a publicperformance
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Dialog 31 : Born with a silver spoon in ones mouth
A: Why does she always have new clothes and new shoes when she comes to school? Shenever wore the same clothes over two months.
B: Of course. She was born with a silver spoon in her mouth.A: Shes so lucky she has rich parents.B: Yeah. His father owns the hotel and two restaurants in town.A: Whats her mothers job?B: Shes a doctor.
Explanation:A person born with a silver spoon in his or her mouth is born wealthy.
Example:Shes born with a silver spoon in her mouth so she doesnt know how to feel hungry.
Dialog 32 : Couch potato
A: Can you please call Sam in his room? Dinners ready.
B: I already did. But he says hell eat later.A: Your brother is such a couch potato. What is he watching this time?B: Cartoons. He says he doesnt want to miss this episode.A: He didnt eat his lunch. Ill go and fetch him.
Explanation:If you are spending a lot of time watching television, you are a couch potato.
Example:
My sister is a couch potato and she never wants to leave her house.
Vocabulary:
Couch (noun) a sofaFetch (verb) - to go and bring back
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Dialog 33 : Cry over spilled milk
A: Why are you crying?B: I lost my brothers favorite book. Im sure hell be mad when he learns this.A: Where did you leave it?B: I think I put it in my bag this morning, but its not there anymore.A: Maybe youve misplaced it.B: Ive searched everywhere, but I cannot find it.A: Dont cry over spilled milk. Just tell your brother about it and well decide what to do.
Explanation:
When someone is crying over spilled milk, he is crying or complaining about something thathas already happened.
Example:You should not cry over spilled milk. You cannot bring back the past nor change it.
Vocabulary:Spilled (verb) - To cause or allow (a substance) to run or fall out of a container
Dialog 34 : Apple of (someones) eye
A: Why are you looking at her like that?
B: Shes the apple of my eye.A: Do you know her?B: Not yet. But I am planning to introduce myself if I get the courage.A: Why not now?B: I still dont know the right things to say.
Explanation:
The apple of ones eye is someone or something that one likes a lot.
Example:The little girl is the apple of her grandmothers eye.
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Dialog 35 : In black and white
A: If you have a complaint, please write it in black and white.B: Do I really need to do that?A: It will be better if you do that. Well send it directly to the manager.B: Cant I just go and talk to him now?A: Im afraid you cant do that. He has a business meeting at the moment.
Explanation:Something is in black and white if it is in writing or official.
Example:I sent them my request for new computers in black and white.
Vocabulary:Complaint (noun) - an expression of pain, dissatisfaction, or resentment
Dialog 36 : Once in a blue moon
A: Where are you now?B: I am in an Italian restaurant with my mother.A: What time are you going home?
B: I dont know. I want to have fun tonight. My mother and I only go out togetheroncein a blue moon. Why are you asking?
A: Im thinking of coming over to your house.B: Why?A: Nothing much. Ill just come tomorrow.
Explanation:
When something happens once in a blue moon, it happens very rarely.
Example:We only meet once in a blue moon, and I dont know when hes coming back.
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Dialog 37 : With flying colors
A: Your parents must be very proud of you. You graduated with flying colors.B: They are. They told me theyre coming over and they want to celebrate.A: I think thats a good idea. When are they coming?B: Maybe tomorrow. The flights are full since yesterday. They havent got a ticket yet.A: Ill go with you at the airport when you meet them.
Explanation:When you did something with flying colors, you accomplished it with total success.
Example:My friend passed the licensure exam with flying colors and she now is a doctor.
Dialog 38: Teachers pet
A: Dont you notice? Our teacher always favors Matt.B: Yeah. I notice that too. She always listens to whatever he says, and always gives him
high grades.
A: Thats what happens when you are a teachers pet.B: I was a never a teachers pet. How about you?A: Never. I guess I was never lovable.
Explanation:The teachers favorite student is the teachers pet.
Example:My sister was always the teachers pet when we are in elementary school.
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Dialog 39 : Kill two birds with one stone
A: Excuse me. Are you busy?B: Im finishing my report and Im talking with a big client on the phone.A: I see. Youre killing two birds with one stone.B: Can you just talk to me after I finish this?A: Im sorry. I should have not interrupted.B: Its OK. Ill just go to my office later.
Explanation:When you kill two birds with one stone, you accomplish two things with one action.
Example:
I killed two birds with one stone and saw some old classmates while I was in France visiting a
friend.
Vocabulary:Interrupt (verb) - to stop a person while he is saying or doing somethingClient (noun) a customer
Dialog 40 : Out of the blue
A: I was really impressed with your idea. Where did you get it?B: I dont know. It just came to me out of the blue.A: I think we should tell our boss immediately about this. Im sure hell like your new proposal.B: I want to review it and then well tell him.A: OK. If thats what you want.
Explanation:
If something happens out of the blue, it happens suddenly and you are not expecting it.
Example:From out of the blue I asked my girlfriend if she wanted to get married.
Vocabulary:Impressed (adjective) deeply affected or influenced